Investigation into Met Officers Over Al Fayed Allegations
A serving Metropolitan Police officer along with four former officers are under investigation for potential misconduct related to their handling of sexual abuse allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) stated that it has not yet determined whether any current or former officers have, or would have had if still serving, a disciplinary case to answer.
The investigation concerns reports made by four individuals, according to a statement from the police watchdog.
Background of Allegations
Public allegations of sexual offences by Al Fayed emerged following a BBC documentary broadcast after his death, which exposed aspects of his predatory behavior.
Since then, hundreds of women have accused the former Harrods owner of rape, sexual assault, and trafficking.
It was only after the BBC broadcast in September 2024 that the Metropolitan Police disclosed it had been approached by 21 women prior to Al Fayed's death in 2023, all accusing him of sexual offences including rape, sexual assault, and trafficking. Despite these accusations, Al Fayed was never charged with any offences.
Referral to IOPC and Investigation Progress
Complaints from two women, whose allegations were initially reported in 2008, were referred to the IOPC in November 2024.
The watchdog confirmed that it commenced a directed investigation into the Metropolitan Police officers in January 2025. This investigation is being conducted by the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards under the direction and control of the IOPC.
"At this stage, five individuals – a serving Met officer and four former Met officers – have been advised that they are being investigated for potential misconduct."
An investigation into how the allegations were handled by the Metropolitan Police, overseen by the watchdog, was launched in January 2025, with a third complaint referred in February 2025.
The IOPC confirmed the investigation is ongoing and involves reports made by four victim-survivors. This marks the first time the watchdog has confirmed that a serving officer and former officers are being specifically investigated.
Met Police Response
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson stated:
"We are assisting the IOPC as it carries out an independent investigation into our handling of reports of sexual offending by Mohammed Al-Fayed.
As part of this, the IOPC is investigating complaints against five officers. One serving and four former officers are being investigated for potential misconduct. The serving of notices does not mean that misconduct proceedings will necessarily follow.
Our investigation into individuals who may have facilitated or enabled offending by Mohamed Al Fayed remains active."
It is understood that the serving officer under investigation is not on restricted duties.
Related Criminal Investigations
In March, the Metropolitan Police announced that three women and a man had been interviewed under caution regarding offences including human trafficking for sexual exploitation and facilitating rape.
The force reported that 154 victims have come forward with allegations of sexual assault, rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking.
